Garmin StreetPilot 2730 3.8-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

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(More customer reviews)This is my first GPS unit. Having used and loved the Magellan units in Hertz rental cars, I watched and waited for prices to go down below the $1k mark. These are my first impressions:
The 2730 worked right out of the box -- I just plugged the power cable into the cig lighter, removed the 2730's snap-on screen protector, slid the unit into the weighted base, placed it on the dashboard and powered it up. In spite of the car being parked in the shadow of a 10-story high-rise, the unit quickly locked onto multiple satellites and gave an accurate location textual and graphical readout.
The included manual could be better organized and have more detailed explanations, but the 2730's front panel button controls are fairly intuitive for basic tasks. Menu navigation is easy. (Note, I did download and skim the manual from Amazon before purchasing the unit. I suggest you do the same.) Haven't used the included remote control yet, and at first glance there may not be much need for it.
The screen is a bit small (for my middle-aged eyes), but once you learn its layout, a quick glance at appropriate spots on the screen gives you useful reference data: next turn instruction (text), distance to next waypoint (number), speed, ETA, etc. Within the menus the display and choices of data can be modified.
With my wife driving, I entered our travel destination in Tribeca -- lower Manhattan / NYC (40+ miles away). Using the touchscreen was easy and intuitive. The unit's routing calculation was fairly quick. However, we checked the traffic report (on the old fashioned AM radio news station!) and found that the 2730's selected route would take us down the FDR drive which had some congestion. Moreover, the FDR is on the East side, whereas our destination is closer to the West side. The 2730 couldn't be faulted for the congestion, but the East side routing seemed strange. We started off by followed the unit's initial routing instructions (to stay on I-95 south), but soon veered off onto familiar local parkways which we knew would take us over towards the West side of NYC. As soon as we got off-course, the Garmin quickly recalculated, and anticipated the route we intended (which turned out to be a tad longer -- perhaps why it was not chosen in the first place).
The speaker volume (with clearly-spoken instructions) was adjustable to suit our car's noisy interior. Driving down the West Side Highway, the 2730 did not give us sufficient SPOKEN warning to prepare for an upcoming left turn -- however, the left turn instruction was clearly laid out in text on the screen. I got the impression at that particular point that our physical location was a few 100 feet ahead of the GPS coordinates (perhaps due to limited GPS reception from our location in NYCity).
I am sure there is much more to discover about the 2730 (I haven't tried Points Of Interest or the XM Satellite radio options). After the first trip, I would say I like the unit, find it to be very high-quality, and sold in a convenient bundle with all of the accessories needed (at least those that are apparent now). Some critiques are that the 2730:
1) screen is small
2) is very expensive
3) no internal battery for portable operation (needs to be plugged in to 12v source)
4) instruction manual has extremely limited information. Lots of hidden functionality i.e. difficult to find out how to input locations without a specific address (to mark, name and save a current location -- like a camping spot -- in memory).
Bottom line is if you can spend $800 - $1k, it's a very good GPS bundle. (Note: as of 2007, price is about half!)
ADDENDUM from Trips 2 and 3 (commuting to and from work):
The routing software chose the fastest, most direct route, using a combination of highway and back roads -- impressive and efficient. The map accuracy is very good, except for a few quirks like calling a company campus entrance road an "alley."
Mounting on the dashboard is good for a heads-up navigation display. The beanbag-style weighted portable base is suitably heavy, BUT the unit can go flying off the dashboard during a sharp turn.
Turning on the WAAS function (for more accurate location reading) significantly slows down initial satellite capture.
The trip computer offers lots of functionality as well sa quantitative and predictive data.
2007: I still use the unit regularly, find it useful and reliable, although a bit bigger and bulkier thatn some of the newer Garmins (but with smaller screens).
Telephone support by Garmin has been very good.
Have not used the XM Radio option for traffic -- have not heard that traffic info in the NY Metro area is sufficiently real-time or comprehensive.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin StreetPilot 2730 3.8-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Knowledge is power, and thanks to the advanced technology packed into the Garmin StreetPilot 2730, you'll get plenty of both. The big news about this model in comparison to its predecessor, the 2720, is the addition of XM radio capabilities. With a subscription to XM radio services, you'll get real-time XM NavTraffic, XM WX Weather, and XM Radio service. What does all that mean? When coupled with Garmin's legendary GPS technology, it means you'll always know not only exactly where you are, and but also what lies ahead.
The Power of XM Radio XM NavTraffic is the first nationwide satellite-based data traffic information service to enable an onscreen overlay of current traffic conditions. The StreetPilot 2730 uses this data to automatically calculate and suggest faster alternative routes long before traffic starts backing up. Accidents, road construction, or other incidents affecting traffic are graphically represented as icons on the navigation map. Precise information relating to a traffic incident is also available, including the precise location of the incident, the lanes affected, and the predicted duration. What's more, roadways are color-coded to indicate directional traffic flow speed.
The 2730 also keeps you up to date on weather conditions, thanks to XM weather data. Current weather conditions for over 2,000 locations, and weather forecasts for 162 cities, are displayed on the screen. United States county storm and flood warnings are also highlighted, giving you the best and latest information available for your travel plans.
The 2730 is also a powerful entertainment device, as it offers more than 150 channels of XM satellite radio channels, featuring 100-percent commercial-free music, as well as more than 30 channels of news, sports, and talk. You can send XM and navigation audio to your car stereo through the StreetPilot's integrated FM wireless transmitter or via an integrated 3.5 mm stereo headphone/line-out plug. And if that's not enough, the 2730 also comes equipped with an MP3 player that lets you take your personal music collection on the road. Loading music from your computer is drag-and-drop easy, and there's no need for special software. The StreetPilot 2730 also works as an audiobook player; you can download books from audible.com and enjoy your favorite authors on the road.
An included GXM 30 antenna receives and processes all XM traffic, weather, and audio data. For maximum portability, the magnetic, waterproof, puck-size antenna can be placed on the dashboard or the roof of the vehicle.
Top-Tier GPS Performance Don't forget that the 2730 is a high-end GPS navigation device with text-to-speech functionality that allows the unit to audibly announce the names of upcoming streets and points of interest. This lets you keep your eyes on the road while you navigate through busy traffic and tricky roadways. The 2730 also features a widescreen, automotive-grade touchscreen display that automatically dims and brightens based on ambient light conditions. And an included wireless remote control can be used to operate the device's functions.
Finding your way with the 2730 starts with inputting a location on the touchscreen. Next, the unit's text-to-speech feature speaks to you just like a back-seat driver, telling you the names of streets, when to turn, and in what direction. And if you happen to miss a turn, don't worry--the 2730 automatically calculates a new route to your destination. In addition to point-to-point navigation, the 2730 can calculate the most efficient route between multiple destinations--a real time-saver for realtors, salespeople, and errand runners. You can also tell the unit to avoid specific areas or road segments when calculating a route. With the 2730, you have the option of selecting a three-dimensional mapping perspective, or one of several 2-D overhead viewing options. What's more, audible and visual navigation instructions and warnings help you navigate more quickly while keeping your eyes on the road.
An integrated dash-mounting system provides easy adjustment and quick release, or you can use the included "bean bag" mount if you don't want to add a mount to your dash. An included speaker attachment that is built into the 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter enables the 2730 to deliver voice prompts. An internal antenna that communicates with up to 12 GPS satellites is provided, as is a USB port for PC connectivity. There's also an MCX-type connector for hooking up an optional external GPS antenna. And if you need waterproofing, the 2730 is up to the challenge; it meets IEC 60529 IPX7 standards, which means it's submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
Another time- and frustration-saving feature of the 2730 is the database of preloaded maps and points of interest. Gone are the days of uploading partial maps from your computer to your GPS device: the 2730 has them all built in. The unit comes preloaded with Garmin's highly detailed MapSource City Navigator NT North America maps of the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Finding points of interest along your route is made easy with the 2730's huge built-in database of nearly six million hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. Garmin has also made it easy for users to upload custom points of interest--now you can add school zones or safety cameras to your database. You can even turn on a proximity alert to notify you of upcoming custom points of interest.
Note: Subscriptions are required for XM NavTraffic and XM Radio services.
What's in the Box StreetPilot 2730 receiver, MapSource City Navigator NT North America maps, GXM 30 antenna, integrated FM wireless transmitter, 12-volt power cable with external speaker, alphanumeric remote control, PC/USB interface cable, AC power adapter, beanbag mount, dash mount, protective cover, owner's manual, and quick-reference setup guide.

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Garmin StreetPilot 2620 3.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

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(More customer reviews)I have a 3 year old Navtech based CD GPS system in my Volvo and purchased this device to use in my older SUV that has no GPS system installed. I first tried using the new Streetpilot on a recent trip to Dubuque Iowa from Chicago; using it and the in car systems simultaneously to compare them. The Garmin SP 2620 outperfomed the Navtech installed system hands down. Although the in car system found satellites instantly the Garmin only took about 10 seconds to find them on start up. And it is MUCH faster on route calculations and more importatnly recalculations, about 3x faster. The in car sytem could not locate the exact street address in Dubuque even though I had the Iowa CD disk installed. The Garmin unit did. The details on local businesses was MUCH better with the Garmin. The map was clearer and was better illuminated. Only things I'd like to have in the Garmin would be a two map display option (for differing zooms of the the same route at the same time) and a display of the remianing miles on the main route display, you can get it but it's on another routing description page. The Garmin does display more immediately useful info such as time and distance to next turn so this is a very minor quibble. It is solid, extremely well built unit and mounts very nicely. It tilts and twists to optimize viewing. The "beanbag" friction mount works very well. The nice thing about the portable system is it's portabilty to other cars and rentals, for instance you can loan it to friends and family if you wish! Furthermore, upgrading is very easy via the Garmin web site whereas updates for my Volvo Navtech in car system have been rare and expensive. The hard drive in the Garmin is a memory card which I can see being enlarged if necessary but the current 512mb card has plenty of map details on it. A new CD disk set for my in car system costs over $200, the Garmin updates so far are free. Overall a stellar value and a device that exceeded my expectations in every way. If you travel by car (and who really likes flyng anyway?)in the US and/or Canada, get one, you'll love it.

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Featuring MapSource City Navigator pre-loaded, detail maps, the Garmin StreetPilot 2620 is a plug-and play portable automotive GPS navigator that's ready to use right out of the box. Forget about unlocking or uploading map data to your unit -- with Garmin you'll be ready to navigate as soon as the StreetPilot arrives at your doorstep. The pre-programmed hard drive that stores the City Navigator detailed maps of North America is simple to set up and use. Drivers can navigate to a particular address or access an enormous database of more than five million points of interest (POI). Whether it is lodging, restaurants, gas stations, or local attractions, the StreetPilot 2620 will help you get there. And the user-friendly, menu-driven touchscreen ensures that navigating the unit is as easy as navigating the road.
Like its successor -- the StreetPilot 2720 -- this unit features a high-resolution color touchscreen with voice prompted turn-by-turn navigation and a powerful microprocessor for fast route calculation and map redraw. Although the new model has a few extra bells and whistles, the 2620 delivers all the navigation you'll need with a lot less strain on your wallet. This unit comes with a unique wireless infrared remote control, which allows easy operation of the unit from a distance and it also offers WAAS-enabled support to ensure the highest degree of GPS accuracy. Mark and name important waypoints with over 500 graphic symbols, set a course for your destination, and listen to the voice prompts for navigation instructions and warnings. And when you get there, you can check your trip computer for miles driven, time on the road, and average/maximum speeds.
With a host of software upgrades, the StreetPilot 2620 can lend assistance in almost any situation. You can find the most efficient route for deliveries or sales calls with the multiple destination feature. Enter all your destinations and the 2620 will automatically sort them to provide the best route. The StreetPilot makes it easy to avoid traffic jams or road work -- just tell the unit where you don't want to go and you'll be redirected around the congestion. Almost out of gas? No need to fret. With a time-saving feature that allows you to limit searches to gas stations, restaurants, and more, this unit will notify you of upcoming points of interest near your route. And, of course, there are those times when you'd just like to take the road less traveled. With the adjustable road class preference, you can select from major, medium, and minor road categories that will help you stay off the highways for a leisurely drive through small towns and winding backroads.
The StreetPilot 2620 receiver includes everything you need to get started right out of the box, including an alphanumeric remote control, car and home power supplies, two kinds of mounts, and a factory pre-loaded version of Americas Autoroute basemap and MapSource City Navigator North America. The basemap is loaded with routable maps of North and South America that contain state and country boundaries, lakes, rivers, streams, airports, cities, towns, coastlines, state and interstate highways, local thoroughfares and secondary roads within metro areas, and federal interstate highway exit information for services such as food, lodging, and service stations. Beyond the basemap foundation, the 2620's pre-programmed hard drive comes with MapSource City Navigation that provides street-level details and addresses, plus millions of listings for restaurants, hotels, ATMs, and more throughout the United States and metro areas of Canada.
What's in the Box StreetPilot 2620, remote control, external speaker with 12/24-volt adapter cable, PC/USB interface cable, AC power adapter, integrated dash mount, and a portable "bean-bag" (friction) mount.

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Garmin External Speaker with 12-Volt Adapter for StreetPilot ( 010-10477-01) Review

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(More customer reviews)Works fine with my Garmin StreetPilot 2610. This was a replacement for the first one that broke. The plastic end is not particularly strong, so be careful when not in use. Speaker quality is fine for its purpose.

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Garmin 12/24-Volt Auto Adapter with External Speaker for GPS Units 010-10477-01 Camera Power Adapters

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Garmin StreetPilot i3 1.7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

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(More customer reviews)I received this unit yesterday and have played with it for a few hours. Prior to this unit I have used a Magellan Sportrack for Geocaching and for my car I have used my Dell Axim pocket PC with Ostia mapping software which is terrible, and more recently I have been using Microsoft Streets and Trips 2005 on my laptop. Streets and Trips is excellent however it does not have voice prompts for turn-by-turn directions and viewing a laptop while you are trying to drive can be tough.This Garmin I3 has excellent routing capability, very similar to MS Streets and Trips and has plenty of points of interests( POI). The screen is small but it is readable in both daylight and night. The suction mount holds very well on the windshield.
The voice prompts are loud and clear.
There is not much detail shown on the screen because of it's size, such as some street names and no POI's. The map will zoom in more as you are nearing your turn and the voice prompt's will tell you you need to turn in .5 to .3 miles and 400 to 500 ft before the turn.
On the display is also shown the distance to your next turn and an estimated arrival time to your destination. The unit will automatically re-route if you take a wrong turn.
Satellite acquisition time is pretty quick, and the manual states that you should keep batteries in it so that it will find satellites faster. The unit also comes with a cigarette lighter adapter. I do not think that the unit will recharge batteries though, and the battery level indicator is located on the "where to" screen only.
The only controls are a scroll wheel that doubles as a button and a back button and a power button. It is fairly simple to use and easy to figure out.
The included 128mb transflash card is more than adequate for my needs, I fit all of NJ, NY and PA and still had plenty of room.
You can store places in your favorites by adding them in your address screen, or you can store your current position simply by pressing and holding the scroll wheel button in.
Some cons to this unit is that it does not show the total distance of your trips, it just shows distance to the next turn.
If you want to add a stop on your destination it only allows 1 via point, after you visit that point you have to add your next via point. As I mentioned before there isn't too much detail on the screen but it does show you where you need to go.
I would highly recommend this unit above a pocket pc navigation, at least with Ostia software anyway.
For the price of this unit you really can't complain about the cons. This is a simple GPS unit that does what it is supposed to do, get you from point A to point B.
********update 6/15/06***********
Nearly a year and I still love this thing - navigation works great. Now that I am an experienced user I want a fancier touch screen, the scroll wheel is a pain in the neck. I also want a unit that you can put in multi-routes, like if you want to go to garage sales you can put in all the addresses and let the unit decide the best route. However, I will keep this unit longer before I thrown down a few hundred more for an advanced model.
I still haven't found the need to get a larger memory card, I've driven in New Jersey, New York state, Pennsylvania and Washington DC, and Connecticut.
[...]

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No larger than a baseball and priced with affordability in mind, the StreetPilot i3 GPS navigation system is a great fit for commuters, college students, and corporate travelers looking to experience the ease and enjoyment of satellite navigation for the first time. Don't let the small size fool you; the i3 boasts many of the same powerful functions as Garmin's premium vehicle GPS navigators. The StreetPilot i3 features a unique and convenient click-to-enter scroll wheel and a Back button that makes it easy to select a destination from the unit's menu-driven interface. It also offers voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions through a built-in speaker, and should you miss a turn, the i3 will automatically recalculate the route to put you back on course. And perhaps most conveniently, the unit moves easily from vehicle to vehicle thanks to the integrated suction cup mount, so you don't need to go through a cumbersome process each time you change cars.
To get you from point A to point B, the StreetPilot i3 includes a MapSource City Select North America NT DVD, which contains mapping detail of the entire U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. The DVD's nearly six million points of interest range from hotels and restaurants to gas stations and ATMs, along with local attractions such as amusement parks and museums. Simply load the City Select data onto the included 128 MB Transflash data card via a fast USB connection and you're set.
As an added benefit, you can now import customized points of interest with the help of Garmin's free POI Loader software. For instance, you can upload safety cameras or school zones, and then receive a warning if you are traveling too fast in these areas. In addition, an optional proximity-alert feature notifies you of upcoming custom POIs. Maps are displayed on the i3's 32,000-color, sunlight-readable TFT, which includes a backlight for difficult lighting conditions. Motorists even have the choice of multiple perspectives--either a 3-D mapping angle or an overhead bird's-eye view. For added convenience, drivers can power the unit with either two AA batteries (six hours, typical use) or the included 12-volt adapter cable.
The StreetPilot i3 measures 3 by 2.74 by 2.15 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box StreetPilot i3, America's Lite Routable base map, City Select North America DVD, PC/USB cable, 12-volt adapter cable, vehicle suction-cup mount, dashboard adhesive disk, 128 MB Transflash data card, setup guide, user's manual.

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RAM Mounting Systems RAM-B-174-GA9U Brake/Clutch Reservoir Mount for Garmin BMW Navigator II and III, Streetpilot 2610, 2620, 2650, 2660, 2720, 2730, 2820 Review

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(More customer reviews)The Good: The cradle for the GPS is more substantial than the Garmin OEM model. The mount itself is very adjustable, which makes positioning the GPS for optimum viewing on the motorcycle very convienient.
The Bad: Mounting system comes with two different mounting bolts, neither fit my motorcycle, so plan on a trip to your local nut & bolt store. The plastic spacers that go between the clutch reservoir and the mount are made of an relatively soft plastic and as you tighten the bolts they easily deform. There is no indication of when the bolts are sufficiently tight, due to the deforming of these spacers...be careful.

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The RAM marine grade aluminum mount with motorcycle brake/clutch adaptor base includes a 1'' diameter ball and socket system with RAM plastic cradle for the Garmin BMW Navigator II and III, StreetPilot 2610, 2620, 2650, 2660, 2720, 2730, and 2830.The base attaches to the left or right side of your handlebar brake/clutch clamp on the Honda Goldwing and other similar style motorcycles.To check your motorcycle's compatibility with this mounting base, measure the center to center hole dimensions of your brake/clutch clamp.The holes centers have a minimum width of .94" and a maximum of 1.58".Manufactured in the USA and comes with RAM Lifetime Warranty.

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Garmin Vehicle power cable Review

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(More customer reviews)It's a cord and two connectors; one end plugs into your GPS receiver, the other end into a 12-volt outlet in your car. Simple. Remember that running the GPS off car power means you can leave the receiver on continuously and even use the backlight as much as you want.

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Save batteries and end meaningless stops at convenience stores for replacements when you power your Garmin GPS device with this handy cigarette-lighter power adapter. The adapter fits all standard cigarette lighters and works with a range of GPS devices, including the GPS StreetPilot (Monochrome and ColorMap), GPS II+, GPS III+, GPS 12XL, GPS 12CX, GPS 12MAP, GPS V, GPS 76, GPSMAP 76, GPSMAP 176, and GPSMAP 176C.

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Garmin StreetPilot 2610 3.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought the Garmin 2610 (US version) as an upgrade to my Garmin GPS V. Although I was extremely pleased with the GPS V, there were a number of things that needed improvement - the size of the memory, the monochrome screen, the speed of the processor (both in calculating routes and in refreshing the map display). All of these plus more have been fixed in the 2610.
The Garmin GPS 2610 is designed as an in car navigation system. It is not suitable for other uses such as hiking as it requires either a mains (110V) or 12VDC cigarette lighter power source. The unit accepts map data from the included CDROM based software - access to a PC is essential. THe US version comes with 128Mb memory. I expanded this immediately to 256Mb but 128Mb is still pretty good. I found 256 was enough for most of the NE US in a recent road trip (VA, PA, MD, NY, VT, NH, NJ, ME). Uploading from the computer is reasonable fast (30-45 minutes). It is much faster if a dedicated USB 2.0 reader/writer is usd rather than the connection to the GPS unit directly.
The unit is easy to use - my wife finds it considerably easier than the GPS V to enter addresses and find local points of interest such as restaurants and gas stations. Route calculation is very fast - normally a matter of seconds and screen redraw is also virtually instantaneous when zooming or panning. Unlike the old GPS V, I have yet to see a
lock up or time where the unit doesn't give turn notice quickly enough. The spoken directions are very clear to my pleasant surprise as I thought they were going to be somewhat of a novelty. The quality of the routes are generally good - there is the odd time when I would choose a different route based off my personal experience but in general, I find the unit's routes are as good as what I could come up with when I'm in strange territory.
The screen is very clear in all weather and level of light (including with sunglasses). The 'bean bag' friction mount is also very good in the cars I have tried (hondas and fords) and holds the unit steady without any glue or other adhesive.
A couple of smaller enhancements make the experience much more enjoyable than the GPS V. Automatic zoom in/out where the unit will change the map scale based off how close you are to the next turn is wonderful. The touch screen is much better than the buttons (although we sometimes find a PDA pointer makes it even easier to use).
My only slight irritations are that the tabs indicating various information on the map screen (speed, distance to turn, time to destintation etc) aren't completely intuitive to modify and not as many options are available as on the GPS V (altitude is the key one as I am strangely interested in how high I am when driving through mountains). The information is all there on other screens of the unit but just isn't available on the tabs. The map software included with the unit seems to have many more rural roads than the software included in the GPS V although we noticed that it didn't have all the points of interest in it (we found more gas stations than the software knew about for instance).
All in all, an excellent unit that offers clear navigation in a well made and easy to use product. Remember to download the latest software updates from Garmin as they are well worth the effort to fix the odd software glitch or give you a new enhancement (even if you didn't know about them/want them beforehand!)
The following link gives an excellent review on the product: .......
All in all, a great product giving very clear instructions and good quality routes.

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Newly simplified for automotive applications, Garmin's portable StreetPilot 2610 features both a touchscreen and an alphanumeric remote control so you'll always have easy access to automatic route calculations, helpful turn-by-turn directions, and guiding voice prompts. The 2610 offers a color display, built-in maps, and everything you need to download additional map detail. It offers more precise location finding because of its WAAS technology, a feature the original StreetPilot and the StreetPilot III lacked.
With its built-in photo sensor, the StreetPilot 2610's bright display automatically adjusts to outside light conditions. The unit is powered through either its external speaker (which comes with a handy 12/24-volt adapter cable) or its dedicated AC power adapter; both are supplied.
The unit's built-in routable basemap covers North and South America and contains a wealth of practical and nuanced data, including state and country boundaries, lakes, rivers, streams, airports, cities, towns, coastlines, state and interstate highways, local thoroughfares, secondary roads within metro areas, and interstate exit information for services such as gas, food, and lodging.
The 2610 accepts downloadable map detail from Garmin's PC-based MapSource City Navigator DVD-ROM (included), which provides street-level detail, addresses, and listings of nearby restaurants, hotels, ATMs, and other attractions. (This feature requires a CompactFlash card, and a 128 MB CF card is included; you must first downloaded MapSource data in order to find points of interest and addresses.)
The StreetPilot's integrated dash-mounting system fosters easy adjustment and quick release. The unit comes with a built-in patch antenna and an MCX-type connector for attachment to an optional external GPS antenna.
Garmin makes accessories to help you integrate your GPS unit with your life and your priorities. Keep it at the ready while protecting it from knocks and bumps with a carrying case that has space for your hookup cable and remote control. In the car, you'll appreciate the mounting options and clear reception afforded by the magnetic/suction-mount antenna that'll give you a better signal than if you just place your unit on the dash. Using your system in more than one vehicle? Garmin's dashmount is just the ticket, providing one temporary and one permanent adhesive mounting disc so you can move the unit between your cars.
What's in the Box The StreetPilot 2610, the MapSource City Navigator DVD-ROM (full U.S. plus select Canadian coverage; unlock included), a 128 MB CompactFlash memory card, an integrated dash mount, a portable beanbag mount (friction mount), an external speaker with a 12/24-volt adapter cable, an AC power adapter, a PC/USB interface cable, an alphanumeric remote control, an owner's manual, a quick-reference guide, and a setup guide.

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Garmin 12/24 Volt Cable with External Speaker Review

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(More customer reviews)For some reason, the photo for this product does not match what the actual item is. The written description is correct, though. It is the replacement cable/speaker needed for your Garmin GPS system. It is identical to my original cable/speaker, which had broken (the metal prongs no longer made proper contact with the unit). My original cable no longer fit tightly into the unit--hopefully, that won't happen with this cable which seems to have a good, tight fit into the unit. This item (which cannot be obtained on the Garmin website or in any stores they list as carrying their products--I checked) works perfectly and seems reasonably priced.

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GPS AC Adapters, Garmin, Vehicle power cable with external speaker, 010-10477-07

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Garmin StreetPilot 7200 7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

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(More customer reviews)About time someone made a proper size screen that makes sense for use in cars. I have a really small vehicle, Toyota Prius, and this 7200 Streetfinder gps is perfect size for the car. There are many useful functions on the touch screen or you can use the remote control. The screen is big, beautiful and bright, if you want bright, if not you can adjust it. I mainly like to just keep the unit on "map" function so I can see what streets are coming up, especially at night when I an not in my neighborhood. The name of the next street is there is big bold letters, but if you press the "speak" button on the remote, it will announce the upcoming street. This thing is great and I highly recommend it. The cigarette power supply and bracket (one piece) makes it a snap to remove the unit for safe keeping. One easy motion and its off the bracket. Garmin really put a lot of thought into this one. There are so many ways this thing works but I don't want to write a book here. The only thing I can recommend is that if you are not going to mount it directly on top of your dashboard, purchase the Garmin "Ga 25MCX Low Profile Gps" antenna that snaps into the back of the unit. It will give you great reception results, instead of "searching for satellite" you will get "ready for navigation" in just a few moments. The wire that it comes attached to it is not too big and allows for easy squeezing into small places for easy concealment. I didn't have to mount it outside my car for great reception, as a matter of fact, just plugging it into the back of the unit made a great difference. For true mobile use I am sure Garmin will be coming out with a suction mount also in the near future. JUST ORDER IT, YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!! That is my opinion.

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With a massive, seven-inch touchscreen display and groundbreaking traffic information, weather and entertainment features, the Garmin 7200 is the essential tool for all your travels. Garmin has designed the 7200 specifically for larger vehicles such as RVs, semi-trucks, and buses. It offers premium features for those who spend lots of time on the road and demand the best.
The Latest Traffic Technology The 7200 offers a choice of mobile traffic information options. First, you can choose an optional GTM 10 or GTM 11 FM antenna that allows you to get traffic alerts broadcasted by Clear Channel in select U.S. cities. This service will display congested areas on a color-coded map, allowing you to avoid traffic by simply pushing a button that calculates a new route.
If you want to step up to the next level of driving data, choose the optional GXM 30 antenna, which provides compatibility with XM satellite radio services. XM NavTraffic is the first nationwide satellite-based data traffic information service to enable an onscreen overlay of current traffic conditions. The 7200 uses this data to automatically calculate and suggest faster alternative routes long before traffic starts backing up. Accidents, road construction, or other incidents affecting traffic are graphically represented as icons on the navigation map. Precise information relating to a traffic incident is also available, including the exact location of the incident, the lanes affected, and the predicted duration. What's more, roadways are color-coded to indicate directional traffic flow speed.
The 7200 can also keep you up to date on weather conditions, thanks to XM weather data. Current weather conditions for over 2,000 locations and weather forecasts for 162 cities are displayed on the screen. United States county storm and flood warnings are also highlighted, giving you the best and latest information available for your travels.
The 7200 can also serve as a powerful entertainment device, as it offers more than 150 channels of XM satellite radio channels, featuring 100-percent commercial-free music, as well as more than 30 channels of news, sports, and talk. You can send XM and navigation audio to your car stereo through the StreetPilot's integrated FM wireless transmitter or via an integrated 3.5 mm stereo headphone/line-out plug. And if that's not enough, the 7200 also comes equipped with an MP3 player that lets you take your personal music collection on the road. Loading music from your computer is drag-and-drop easy, and there's no need for special software. The 7200 also works as an audiobook player; you can download books from audible.com and enjoy your favorite authors on the road. Plus, thanks to the 7200's AV in connector, you can connect and play portable device, such as a DVD player, on the unit's massive screen. For safety's sake, entertainment audio is muted when navigation instructions are given.
Top-Tier GPS Performance The 7200 is a high-end GPS navigation device with text-to-speech functionality that allows the unit to audibly announce the names of upcoming streets and points of interest. This lets you keep your eyes on the road while navigating through busy traffic and tricky roadways. The 7200's 480 x 234 widescreen, automotive-grade touchscreen display automatically dims and brightens based on ambient light conditions. An included wireless remote control can be used to operate the device's functions.
Finding your way with the 7200 starts with inputting a location on the touchscreen. Next, the unit's text-to-speech feature speaks to you just like a back-seat driver, telling you the names of streets and when to turn and in what direction. And if you happen to miss a turn, don't worry--the 7200 automatically calculates a new route to your destination. In addition to point-to-point navigation, the 7200 can calculate the most efficient route between multiple destinations--a real time saver for realtors, salespeople, and errand runners. You can also tell the unit to avoid specific areas or road segments when calculating a route. With the 7200, you have the option of choosing from a three-dimensional mapping perspective, or from one of several 2-D overhead viewing options. What's more, audible and visual navigation instructions and warnings help you navigate more quickly while you keep your eyes on the road.
An integrated dash-mounting system provides easy adjustment and quick release, and an integrated speaker enables the 2730 to deliver voice prompts (or, as mentioned, you can use the built-in FM transmitter to route commands to your vehicle stereo system.) An internal antenna that communicates with up to 12 GPS satellites is provided, as is a USB port for PC connectivity. There's also an MCX-type connector for hooking up an optional external GPS antenna, as well as a SecureDigital (SD) memory card slot and a headphone jack.
Another time- and frustration-saving feature of the 7200 is the database of preloaded maps and points of interest. Gone are the days of uploading partial maps from your computer to your GPS device: the 7200 has them all built in. The unit comes preloaded with Garmin's highly detailed MapSource City Navigator NT North America maps of the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Finding points of interest along your route is made easy with the 7200's huge built-in database of nearly six million hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. Garmin has also made it easy for users to upload custom points of interest--now you can add school zones or safety cameras to your database. You can even turn on a proximity alert to notify you of upcoming custom points of interest.
Note: Subscriptions are required for XM NavTraffic and XM Radio services. A subscription may be required for use of the GTM 10 or GTM 11 traffic services, which are not available in all areas.
What's in the Box StreetPilot 7200, MapSource City Navigator NT North America maps, integrated FM wireless transmitter, alphanumeric remote control, 12-volt adapter cable, USB interface cable, A/C power adapter, quick-release dash mount, quick reference guide, and owner's manual.

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Garmin StreetPilot c340 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

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(More customer reviews)Pros: Easy to use, sharp screen, clear voice instructions and less expensive than other GPS units with comparable features
Cons: Needs more dynamic search capabilities for POI (its a little too simple which is good and bad)
The Garmin C340 is a wonderful unit, I've tested several other units such as the Navmans & Magellans, but the Garmin was the hands down winner.
It has built in street level maps for both US and Canada - so there is no need to download detailed maps from your computer. In addition, the interface is a breeze to use - w/o even reading the manual I was able to get it up and running. The screen is razor sharp and the navigation controls are intuitive. Another bonus is that it has a built in rechargable battery, so you can walk around with it for a while or even program your next destination while you're away from the car.
I recommend this unit very highly - especially after reviewing the alternatives at this price point.
---------Update--------------
Just an update because I've taken my Garmin C340 to: 1) Toronto, Canada 2) Omaha, NE 3) Salt Lake City, UT 4) Denver, CO and 5) Seattle, WA. I have to say it worked wonderfully. It NEVER led me astray and got me to my destinations without any problems. This is a definite must have because it's so compact and easy to program that it makes exploring new cities a breeze. Who needs to rent an expensive GPS unit from a rental car agency when you have the Garmin C340 with you!

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If you're looking for vehicle navigation that's powerful and simple to use, the Garmin StreetPilot c340 is just the ticket. Right out of the box, this unit helps you make the right turns wherever your travels take you. With an easy-to-use touchscreen interface, text-to-speech voice commands, a brilliant display that shows the way with 2D or 3D animations, and a massive points of interest database, the c340 has all the basics covered. Plus, you'll find some great additional features that make it a must-have companion.
The c340 is designed with simplicity in mind, although Garmin hasn't forgotten to add a touch of class. With a weight of under ten ounces and a width of 4.4 inches, the c340 is ultracompact and easy to transport. To keep confusion on the road to a minimum, the only buttons are a rotary volume knob and an on/off switch. The bright 3.5-inch-diagonal display features a touchscreen, making it a snap to input routing information and make quick selections on the road. The c340 sports dual integrated speakers for high-quality voice prompts, a USB port for PC connectivity, and an internal lithium-ion battery that provides power when you're planning your routes outside the car (approximately 4-8 hours battery life). In addition to an included 12-volt power adapter for in-car power, there's also an SD memory card expansion slot for use with other Garmin MapSource mapping products. The unit is secured by a suction-mount cradle that fastens to the windshield, allowing for easy portability between vehicles. You can even customize the c340's appearance with optional colored faceplates that suit your style. While the c340 has an internal GPS antenna, it also has an MCX-type connector for hooking up an optional external GPS antenna.
Finding your way with the c340 starts with inputting a location on the touch screen. Next, the unit's text-to-speech feature speaks to you just like a back seat driver, telling you the names of streets and when to turn and in what direction. And if you happen to miss a turn--don't worry, the c340 automatically calculates a new route to your destination. Audible and visual navigation instructions and warnings help you navigate more quickly while keeping your eyes on the road. You can also choose between a 3D mapping perspective or 2D overhead view.
Another time- and frustration-saving feature of the c340 is the database of preloaded maps and points of interest. Gone are the days of uploading partial maps from your computer to your GPS device: the c340 has them all built in. The unit comes preloaded with Garmin's highly detailed City Select NT street data of the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Finding points of interest along your route is made easy with the c340's huge built-in database of nearly six million hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. Garmin has also made it easy for users to upload custom points of interest--now you can add school zones or safety cameras to your database. You can even turn on a proximity alert to notify you of upcoming custom points of interest.
Garmin really kicks the power of the c340 up a notch with the addition of real-time traffic information. This optional service will display congested areas on a color-coded map, allowing you to avoid traffic by simply pushing a button that calculates a new route. All this wizardry is made possible by the new Garmin GTM 10 receiver that connects to the c340 and other select Garmin products. Note that while the GTM 10 receives digital data from specific FM broadcast stations in select major metro areas throughout the United States and Europe, note that these traffic services are available only in select cities where coverage exists. The service requires the GTM 10 FM TMC traffic receiver and, in some cases, a subscription to enable these traffic capabilities.
What's in the Box StreetPilot c340 receiver with built-in antenna, dual internal speaker system for voice guidance and alerts, vehicle suction cup mount with 12-24 volt adapter, dashboard disk, USB interface cable, preloaded City Select North America NT database, and quick-reference guide.

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Garmin StreetPilot c320 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you are a first time GPS buyer and want an easy to use unit with intuitive touch screen controls and the best unit you can get for under $300, I recommend the C320 (or C330 which comes with pre-loaded maps). I bought this unit for much more a little over a year ago and so far I am quite happy. It has saved me many miles of extra driving! It also makes me a braver night time driver as I have difficulty spotting a sudden turn in the road at night time. But with my GPS I know exactly when to turn and it even tells me 'stay right' etc. This was confusing at first but now that I know what it means I find it very helpful to not have to change lanes at the last minute. It makes me feel safer on the road at night in unknown places! I can easily type in addresses on the touch screen with it's large display or look for a place of interest (a restaurant, library etc.) if I change my mind while at an intersection and then continue on the specified route. I often type in store names like "Target" or "Borders" on a whim and it takes me to the nearest one in the area. It just made a couple of mistakes so far once for a Kroger and once for a Walmart as the store had moved to another location about half a year ago but even Google maps had shown me the wrong location for that Walmart. It is also convenient to be able to specify the cuisine and locate the nearest restaurant to your current location or near your destination. However the restaurant choices are by no means exhaustive, it may miss a couple of good ones here and there but may show you ones you never knew existed.
I chose the C320 as you can load whatever maps you need by just getting a larger SD card, especially as SD cards have come down in price.
Before using this unit, I had used the Magellan Roadmate 300 for a few days, and Garmin's routing is a definite improvement over Magellan in terms of speed of route calculation and accurate routing. The Magellan locked up a couple of times although it was a new unit and I had to pull off on an exit and power it down for several minutes before it started reading the correct route. The Garmin C320 has never frozen on me. If I do not take the prescribed route or miss a turn it takes just about 2-3 seconds to figure that out and recalculates my route, this is way faster than Magellan or any other GPS system I've encountered so far. This is great feature as the next turn might be just 5 seconds away and you may miss it again if the unit takes too much time to recalculate!
Some reviews complained about the maps saying the unit said that they had reached the destination even though they were 100-200 feet away and sometimes confused between left or right of the street. But if you have used other GPS systems you would know that no GPS navigation system is perfect and I generally prefer Garmin navigation over Magellan.
The C320 allows you to specify your preferences such as - Avoid highways, avoid U turns, avoid toll roads etc. And you can set it to "Shortest distance" or "Fastest time". I've found that the shortest distance can sometimes take you on backroads or unusual roads which you normally may not take. This option gave me a great new route between office and home which avoids traffic but when I used the same option on a longer drive it suddenly detoured off the highway ans took me through bumpy back roads, a most unpleasant experience! But with experience I have learned the best way to calculate my route using the options. There is a bit of a learning curve with all GPS systems and the more advanced GPS users have rated Garmin navigation very highly in the several comparisons I read on the web.
The C320 does get a bit confused in situations where -a) there is a small roundabout (like in apartment communities) and may keep missing the exit turn and b) when there are intersecting highways over and under the highway on which you are traveling, especially if it takes you more than 15-20 seconds to cross that area where the highways intersect c) In very long tunnels. But now that I know this I just stay on route and as soon as I've crossed that area it starts showing the earlier route.
Some reviewers complained that the unit does not show the complete route turn by turn text instructions - that is not correct- as it will show you the turn by turn text instructions if you touch the green text bar over the route map.
If you want to take a detour at any point in your route it will calculate an alternative route for you if you touch the detour button, but will try to get you back on the original route very quickly. You can create points of interest in the route through the software and you can also save your favorite locations or most used addresses on the unit.
I prefer having a portable GPS than an in-car GPS as the software update is cheaper than in car GPS and I can carry it with me to use in rental cars when I travel. I tried out the in car GPS system in my friend's Honda and Garmin had better routing and a better "voice". The Honda GPS's high-pitched "Chinese Schoolgirl" voice drove me to distraction....!
January 7, 2007 update: I've gotten so used to my GPS that I don't know how I lived without it. The only complaint I have about the unit is that it is very hard to read in bright sunlight and I have to depend on the voice instructions. Also, please don't leave it mounted in the car if it's above 90 degrees as my unit's battery died after it was out in the summer for a few days at 100 degree temperatures and now it takes time to read satellite signals when I start out as it starts from a "cold" state.
May 7, 2007 Update: I called Customer Service last week as my internal battery died and the unit started falling off my windshield as the heat exposure reduced its grip. Hold time was very short, 3-4 minutes each time I called. They offered to have the unit repaired for $150 which is more than half the cost of a new unit, so I refused as it wasn't a critical problem. However, they offered to send me a new mount (including the windshield mount piece and car adaptor) for free despite being out of warranty . It was FedExed and reached me in 3 business days. That's good customer service!
Overall I am satisfied with C320. Better GPS systems exist (some made by Garmin) but this one is the best bang for my buck by far!

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With a simple touch screen interface, automatic route calculation to any destination, and turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions, the StreetPilot c320 GPS navigator is a powerful companion for your adventures on the road. Plus, Garmin has designed the "c-series" of car navigation units to be as simple and easy-to-use as possible-- no more intimidating features,just straightforward, basic navigation at your fingertips. Selecting a destination is as simple as a few finger-strokes, and you can choose between a three-dimensional navigation view or the more traditional "bird's eye" overhead view.
Although the c320 boasts distinctive and sleek styling, simplicity is the name of the game. The only buttons are a rotary volume knob and an on/off switch. The device is secured by a suction-mount cradle that fastens to the windshield for easy portability between vehicles. You can customize the unit's appearance with an array of colored faceplates that are sold separately.
For navigators who only require detailed maps for a limited area, the StreetPilot c320 features an SD card slot, a 128 MB SD card, and MapSource City Select street data on CD-ROM. To load the area you need, simply select the specific area of interest on your computer and the data is transferred from a PC to the unit via a fast USB connection. The c320's bright, 3.5-inch diagonal, 16-bit color display makes navigation a snap. The unit also features dual integrated speakers for high-quality voice prompts, and an internal lithium-ion battery for out-of-car route planning.
What's in the Box StreetPilot c320 receiver, vehicle suction cup mount w/integrated power cable, PC/USB interface cable, 128 MB SD memory card, and setup guide. Also, Americas Recreational Basemap and MapSource City Select North America CD with full unlock.

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Garmin Motorcycle Mount for StreetPilot 2610 and 2620 (010-10495-00) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is just a mounting kit... It needs a 3rd party "cell phone" mount to actually attach to your motorcycle. Very disappointed that I have to order something *else* in addition to this "kit"
After getting a RAM mount (from somewhere else, I don't think Amazon sells them), this did mount easily and quickly to my bike, just be aware, that you need a RAM mount in addition to this kit, which is really just a connection from a RAM mount to the garmin device

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GPS Mounts, Garmin, Motorcycle Mount(Bracket,Power/Audio Cable,Screws), 010-10495-00

Get 29% OFF

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Garmin StreetPilot 2820 5.6-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator Review

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(More customer reviews)(EDIT 12-19-2006: If you're looking at the 2820, unless you drive a motorcycle I strongly recommend the StreetPilot c550 which I've also reviewed. Read this review and then compare it to the c550.)
This is the second Garmin product I've purchased, the first being a StreetPilot C320 for my mother which I've also used extensively. (I've reviewed the C320 also. Most of the good things I pointed out in that review also apply here, so read that one if you want more details than what I give here.) This one was purchased for myself and my wife to use in our new car. (New toys! Hooray!)
The unit itself is pretty solid, measuring about the size of an oversized Stephen King novel, weighing about a pound and having a large widescreen-format touchscreen with four (backlit) rubberized buttons to the right of the screen. A power switch is on the right side, ports for microphone-in and audio-out are on the left side, and a mini USB port is on the back. The screen and buttons automatically adjust their brightness depending on the ambient light (the more light there is the brighter they get), but you can override the brightness levels manually.
One big disappointment was the lack of a built-in microphone and speaker, although Garmin includes a wired microphone that is surprisingly sensitive. Considering that both a microphone and the GPS would need to be within line of sight of the driver it doesn't make sense that Garmin didn't integrate the microphone right into the unit. The speaker is even more unusual; it's actually attached to the plug that goes into the cigarette lighter. So if your car has an awkwardly positioned cigarette lighter you'll find the audio coming out from an unusual angle. The fact that my mother's C320 (which cost less than half) has a built-in speaker while the 2820 does not is a further disappointment.
The unit truly is a plug-and-play affair. Setup is this: Take the unit, the power cord, and the mounting base (more on that in a moment) out of the box. Position the unit on your car's dashboard. Plug in the power cord to your car's cigarette lighter outlet. Turn on the unit. That's it -- done and ready to go. Provided you've got a reasonably clear view of the sky it'll take about 10-15 seconds for the GPS to locate itself, after which you'll have full functionality.
Installation caveats: As with all GPS systems you'll need to position the GPS in an area where it can get a clear view of the sky as the antenna is internal. (External antennas are available.) Garmin includes a weighted "pad" with a high-friction base that securely holds the unit onto the dash. They also provide a means of "permanently" mounting the unit onto the dash via an adhesive disc. I used the weighted pad and have no problems with it.
For gadget geeks like me, you'll want to connect the unit to your Windows PC (via USB) and download Garmin's WebUpdater application. This will update the software in the unit. Mine required about 15-20 updates, including a multitude of voice updates as well as a couple of "system" updates. I therefore strongly recommend you download and use Garmin's WebUpdater (which, incidentally, works on all Garmin products with USB interfaces).
So, how does it work? Garmin's interface is very smooth and polished. It's not perfect and you will sometimes find yourself getting lost in the multitide of menus and functions, but for most of your navigation needs you'll never notice this. You'll be using perhaps 15% of the menus 90% of the time and that 15% is very easy to work with. The navigation process is clear, concise and accurate. As an experiment I went through the same intersection several times and the 2820 announced the upcoming turn at virtually the same exact point, so it's definitely got some accurate positioning happening.
The unit offers a "traditional" 2D GPS perspective (where you're looking straight down onto a map of the surrounding area, with your vehicle positioned in the center of the map) or a pseudo-3D perspective (where the map is angled and you're looking down and forward from above the car's position on the map). I find the 3D perspective to be more interesting and Garmin seems to agree since that view is the default. Unlike the C320, the 2820 will zoom out depending on how far you need to go. For example, if you're traveling 10 miles on a highway the 2820 will zoom the view out to show you more of the surrounding area including points of interest, if applicable. As you approach your turn the 2820 will zoom in to closer detail so you don't miss the turn (you can also manually override this function and zoom in to whatever setting you want). In contrast, the C320 maintains its zoom level at whatever the user specifies.
Audio quality is very good, much improved over my mother's C320 and there's even support for multiple languages (so, yeah, it'll talk to you in Spanish or any of a dozen other languages.) There are three "American English" voices. One is dubbed "Jack", the second "Jill", and the third is unnamed. The "Jill" (female) voice is similar to the voice on the C320 and is the default choice for the 2820. The "Jack" (male) voice is somewhat easier to understand (versus Jill) but the unnamed (female) voice is inarguably the best of them. However, with this clarity comes a trade-off; using the unnamed voice will cause the 2820 to use generic directions ("turn left", "in 500 feet keep right") while using the "Jack" or "Jill" voice will cause the 2820 to call out street names and exit numbers. The reason for this is because the unnamed voice is really little more than a collection of sampled audio that the 2820 strings together appropriately, while "Jack" and "Jill" are a combination of sampled audio and computer-generated speech, thus allowing the unit to call out proper names and numbers when applicable.
There's a phenominal amount of data on this thing. I was particularly surprised by its airport options; not only will it guide you to the airport, but it will also guide you to the appropriate terminal or drop-off/pick-up area. There's also an extensive points-of-interest guide; tell the GPS what you want and it will tell you what's closest and guide you there with aplomb. Map accuracy is exceptional. It doesn't always take me via the route I expect to go or I'm used to going but it always gets me to my destination. I recently took this unit with me to DisneyWorld in Orlando and it successfully plotted dozens of locations for me, both on and off DisneyWorld property. It even recognizes DisneyWorld restaurants in at least four resorts and will guide you there accurately.
I selected the 2820 for its other features as well. The hands-free Bluetooth function works fine. After pairing it with a Treo 650 I was able to send and receive calls through the Garmin unit.
The 2820 also has the ability to receive XM satellite radio and XM's dynamic traffic system, "XM NavTraffic", which will reroute your path to avoid traffic congestion. This requires an XM subscription which I don't have (I'm a Sirius guy) so I was unable to test this.
You can also connect the 2820 to an optional FM TMC traffic receiver which, in areas that support the technology (mainly large cities like Manhattan), will also dynamically reroute your path. This is a less expensive option than the XM system but, again, I have not (yet) installed this so I cannot test it.
One particular item of note: The C320 has one significant shortcoming, and that is the screen tends to get washed out in anything resembling sunlight. I actually had to fabricate a small plastic hood for the C320 to make it visible and therefore more useful. I am happy to say that the 2820 has a significantly better screen. I had it on the dashboard of a PT Cruiser convertible, with the top down, at high noon, in the middle of Florida, on a bright and sunny 90 degree day and had absolutely no problems viewing the screen. The C320 (without the hood) would have shown me a vague blur in a similar situation.
So, overall this is a very positive review. So why only two stars? Several reasons, most of which having to do with comparing the 2820 to the lower-end products like the C320. First, the omission of a built-in speaker and microphone. The fact that Garmin's lower-priced systems has a speaker and the higher-priced systems do not is inexcusable, and the logic behind the external microphone eludes me. I am also removing a star for the other "nickel-and-dime" things. For example, the C320 includes a suction cup mounting for the windshield which is very convenient; the 2820 does not. The C320 has a built-in rechargeable battery good for about four hours which makes it invaluable if you're ever stranded on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere; the 2820 has no battery. Combined the entire package is a little nonsensical; it's like getting a full stereo w/CD player as standard equipment in a Kia, but not even offering it as an option in a Mercedes-Benz. I am also taking a full star off for Garmin's failure to respond to two pre-sale and one post-sale email I sent to them. There is absolutely no excuse for lackluster customer support.
On the other hand, it could fairly be said that I'm not giving credit where credit is due. After all, the 2820 has excellent directions, a very good screen, a ton of preprogrammed locations and a host of additional features like the XM satellite radio connection. To that I say: So what? Any GPS worth anything will have excellent directions, a good screen, and tons of preprogrammed locations so crediting the 2820 for something that it should have just by its very nature is kind of silly. As for the additional features, yeah, you're probably right, but since I'm not actually using many of those additional features I can't rightfully praise the 2820 for having them.
So, is this a good GPS? Yes, one of Garmin's best. But there's a lot of room for improvement and if you don't need the Bluetooth, XM satellite, and/or TMC traffic functions there are much less expensive Garmin units that offer better value.

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Garmin has long been a leader in automotive GPS technology. Now they're taking it to the next level with the StreetPilot 2820. All the powerful GPS goodness is here, plus a healthy dose of media storage for preloaded North American street maps all your MP3s, as well as Bluetooth wireless technology so you can make hands-free calls on a compatible phone. You also get XM radio compatibility, a massive points of interest (POI) database, and an audiobook player. Simply put, if you want to get the most out of your time on the road, the 2820 is the answer.
Design The 2820's front panel is dominated by a large, 3.8-inch automotive-grade, color, sunlight readable TFT display that features 454 x 240 pixel resolution. The display is touchscreen-enabled, and there's also an included wireless remote control. A built-in photo sensor adjusts the screen's brightness for light conditions automatically, so you always have the best view possible. A USB 2.0 interface makes uploading your MP3s to the 2820 a snap, and you can also send audio to the car stereo through the 3.5 mm stereo headphone/line-out plug.
With dimensions of 5.6 x 3.2 x 2.0 inches (W x H X D) and weight of just .91 pounds, the 2820 is small enough to take anywhere. It's also a great choice for motorcycle users. Meanwhile, an integrated dash mounting system provides easy adjustment and quick release. The unit contains a built-in GPS patch antenna, but an MCX-type connector offers an optional external GPS antenna connection.
Hands-free Calling The 2820 integrates wireless technology with a microphone and speaker that lets you make hands-free calls on a compatible Bluetooth phone. Motorcyclists can connect a Bluetooth-enabled headset or helmet simultaneously with a Bluetooth phone to the StreetPilot 2820 to talk hands-free on the road or receive wireless navigation audio prompts to their destination.
In addition, you can easily look-up and dial numbers from your personalized phone book or from your phone's call history log. Don't know the phone number for your destination? Simply find and dial it from the 2820's extensive points of interest database -- including hotels, restaurants, stores, and attractions.
Navigation The 2820 comes ready to use out of the box with preloaded maps of the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico (optional maps of Europe are available, too). Simply enter a destination, and you're automatically routed with turn-by-turn voice directions that speak street names. A fingertip touch screen interface, remote control, and 2D or 3D map perspective combined with the ability to arrange destinations to minimize trip distance make navigation easy. It also accepts customized points of interest (POIs) such as school zones, safety cameras, and LPG filling stations and includes proximity alerts to warn of upcoming POIs.
Master your Commute Monitor traffic tie-ups with the addition of an optional traffic receiver. In select metro areas, with the addition of the GTM 10 or GTM 12 FM TMC traffic sensors* or the GXM 30 XM smart antenna**, the StreetPilot 2820 notifies you of accidents, road construction, and weather-related traffic delays on the road ahead, and then offers an alternate route. Simply touch the screen icon to calculate a new route. In addition to valuable traffic information, the GXM 30 and a subscription to XM NavTraffic also provide basic weather information such as current conditions, forecasts, and Severe Weather Alerts.
XM radio, MP3s, and Audio Books The 2820's MP3 player, audio book player and optional XM Radio keep you entertained on the road. The MP3 player allows you to browse music by artist, album, and/or song. Meanwhile, optional audio books may be purchased from audible.com, which features over 70,000 hours of audio programs. Lastly, a subscription to XM Radio along with the GXM 30 smart antenna provide over 150 plus channels of commercial-free music, sports, news, talk and entertainment programming.
* Traffic services available in select cities throughout the U.S. and Europe. Subscription required in the U.S. and Great Britain. Free public service in Continental Europe. ** Traffic information available only in select cities in the Continental U.S. where coverage exists and requires an XM NavTraffic subscription fee.
What's in the Box StreetPilot 2820, preloaded City Navigator NT North America (full coverage), MapSource City Navigator NT DVD (full-unlock). alphanumeric remote control, external microphone, dash mount, portable non-skid mount, 12-volt power cable with external speaker, AC power adapter, USB interface cable, protective cover, owner's manual, and quick reference guide.

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Garmin StreetPilot c330 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)UPDATE:
Below is my review which a lot of people found useful. So, i want to write this udpate. Now, get the C340 & not the C330. the biggest difference is C340 spells street name out like turn left on main st, take 95S etc. It MAKES A BIG DIFF FOR ANOTHER $50 !!!
AND GET THIS MOUNT, IT IS FANTASTIC:
Garmin Dashboard Mount for StreetPilot c320, c330 and c340
===============================================================
I have used Navman ICN 630, Megallen RM 700 & finally this one.
I can tell you this is the best & most of all easiest. This is why this unit is the best:
1. No downloading of Maps
2. Has most udpated Maps compared to other brands
3. Has 5 million points of interest compared to others
4. Touchscreen
5. Easiest of all to use. Easier than the Acura GPS i have used.
6. Very small but with most usable screen view. It doesn't take a lot of winshield space, doesn;t block visibility. Though screen is small, letters are SO BIG & EASY TO READ.
7. Very fast software
8. Very easy to carry while traveling.
9. Excellent windshield mount. Very stable
10. It comes on when Car is turned on.
11. It has rechargeable battery which lasts for about 3 hrs i think.
12. Loud/clear voice.
13. Very intuitive operating system.
14. Fixes the GPS signal instantly. Navman used to take longer.
15. This is interesting. You can remove the unti without unplugging the car DC cord. DC cord is connected to mount always.


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With a simple touch screen interface, automatic route calculation to any destination, and turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions, the StreetPilot c330 GPS navigator is a powerful companion for your adventures on the road. Plus, Garmin has designed the "c-series" of car navigation units to be as simple and easy-to-use as possible-- no more intimidating features, just straightforward, basic navigation at your fingertips. Selecting a destination is as simple as a few finger-strokes, and you can choose between a three-dimensional navigation view or the more traditional "bird's eye" overhead view.
The c330 keeps track of places that you find and stores the fifty most recent finds in an easy to access list called Recent Selections, placing the most recently viewed at the top of the list. This becomes a very helpful feature if you visit the same places over and over and don't want the inconvenient of reloading the information in the unit multiple times.Although the c330 boasts distinctive and sleek styling, simplicity is the name of the game. The only buttons are a rotary volume knob and an on/off switch. The device is secured by a suction-mount cradle that fastens to the windshield for easy portability between vehicles. You can customize the unit's appearance with an array of colored faceplates that are sold separately.

For the ultimate out-of-the-box convenience, the StreetPilot c330 comes pre-loaded with highly detailed MapSource City Select street data. The database features an industry-leading five million-plus points of interest, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. The c330's bright, 3.5-inch diagonal, 16-bit color display makes navigation a snap. The unit also features dual integrated speakers for high-quality voice prompts, and an internal lithium-ion battery for out-of-car route planning.

It's also worth mentioning that with some GPS units the manual to use them is as thick as a phone book, but it was a pleasant surprise to find that the c330's manual was very easy to use and provided many screen shots to make sure the user understood the units capabilities.If you find yourself on the road looking for addresses often and just want a GPS to tell you where to go simply and clearly than this unit was made for you.

What's in the Box StreetPilot c330,Preloaded City Navigator NT for North America or Europe (full coverage), Vehicle suction cup mount with integrated power cable, USB cable, USB drivers disk, Dashboard disk, Quick reference guide

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